Common Baskettail, Epitheca cynosure

The common baskettail (Epitheca cynosure) is a species of dragonfly that can be found in North America. The scientific name cynosure is thought to mean dog tail, because of the tendency of the appendage on the end of the abdomen to wave around like the tail of a dog. Its thorax is hairy and brown in color and some individuals hold a triangular marking at the base of the hind wing. This species is typically seen between the months of January to August, but can be seen between October and December in Florida.